WWI US Army Model 1917 Colt New Service .45 ACP Military Revolver, 1918 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,550.00

LSB#: WY250401DK003

Make: Colt

Model: New Service, Model of 1917 US Army

Serial Number: Government Serial Number: 19284, Factory Serial Number: 171986

Year of Manufacture: 1918 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup/), shipped January 4 to Springfield Armory in a shipment of 6,403 revolvers.

Caliber: .45 ACP

Action Type: Double Action Revolver with Swing Out Cylinder

Barrel Length: 5 1/2″

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a tall shark-fin style blade. The rear sight is a “U”-notch integral to the topstrap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth walnut panels. The left panel has a tiny fill on the bottom edge where a loss at the indexing stud hole was repaired. Otherwise, the grips have only a few minor marks. There are no cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine condition as refinished and/or not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is some infrequent minor erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8+ out of 10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 90% of its metal finish. The finish is generally strong with some edge-thinning and a little minor surface oxidation. There are a few small nicks and minor tool marks at some screw heads. The action shows light operational wear with a thin turn-line on the cylinder. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Very Good-Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: With America’s entry into WWI, it was found that Colt could not produce enough Model 1911 pistols for the U.S. Army. Some .38 revolvers were distributed to rear echelon troops, guard, and the Navy, but the Army also wanted some commercial revolver production to be used for a revolver capable of using the same ammunition as the 1911 semi-auto. Both Smith & Wesson Hand Ejector and Colt New Service revolvers chambered for .45 ACP were approved as substitute standard and designated the Model 1917. Colt’s M1917 was built on the same large frame as the Colt New Service revolver, making for a very rugged service revolver.

This example is from 1918 and is a nice find for the collectors. It retains the great majority of its original finish, appearing to have been spared the refurbish program. For a military revolver coming up on 130 years old, it really is in quite nice shape with a strong bore and mechanics. This will make a great addition to a WWI sidearm or Colt revolver collection and should still prove to be a good shooter. Please see our photos and good luck!

Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud